Mechanical Technician

Job Title: Mechanical TechnicianJob Description The Mechanical Technician will work in a research and development environment, taking ownership of building and developing custom automation equipment from early-stage mechanical builds through final testing. This role requires strong mechanical aptitude, effective problem-solving skills, and the ability to operate with minimal direction while collaborating closely with engineering and project teams. Responsibilities + Build and assemble custom automation equipment from initial prototype stages through final system completion. + Perform mechanical troubleshooting and system-level debugging during assembly and testing to identify and resolve issues efficiently. + Work closely with engineering and project teams to resolve design issues in real time and ensure equipment functions as intended. + Assist with machine bring-up, system-level testing, and validation activities prior to equipment shipment. + Redline engineering drawings and provide clear feedback on design and build issues to support continuous improvement. + Support electrical troubleshooting and integration tasks as needed during assembly and commissioning. + Participate in field installations and system startups on-site when required, ensuring proper setup and operation. + Contribute to improving build processes, tooling, and documentation to enhance quality, efficiency, and repeatability. + Use precision measurement tools to verify mechanical assemblies meet specified tolerances and performance requirements. + Adapt to changing designs and priorities while maintaining high-quality standards and meeting project timelines. Essential Skills + Minimum of 2 years of hands-on mechanical assembly or build experience in a technical or industrial setting. + Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, mechanical schematics, and tolerances. + Demonstrated mechanical aptitude with experience working on mechanical systems and assemblies. + Proficiency using precision measurement tools to verify dimensions and tolerances. + Basic exposure to electrical systems and electrical troubleshooting in support of equipment integration. + Proven ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned tasks with minimal supervision. + Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve mechanical and system-level issues with limited instruction. + Ability to adapt to changing designs, priorities, and project requirements in a fast-paced environment. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Experience working on custom or automated machinery in an R&D or production environment. + Comfort with system-level debugging, including mechanical and basic software-related issues. + Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, project, and field teams to achieve shared goals. + Attention to detail when reviewing and redlining engineering drawings and documentation. + Willingness to participate in occasional domestic travel for short-duration field installations and startups. Work Environment This role operates in a high-output R&D and production environment focused on building custom automation equipment. The schedule typically follows an early start, with consistent opportunities for overtime that may range from approximately 50 to 70 hours per week at times, including Saturday work. The position may involve occasional short-duration domestic travel for field installations and system startups. Work is hands-on and shop-based, involving mechanical assemblies, precision measurement tools, and collaboration with engineering teams in a fast-paced, dynamic setting. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tacoma, WA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $38.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Tacoma,WA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 1, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.